Christine Boynton
October 17, 2025

Southwest cabin design

Southwest plans to begin operating with assigned and premium seating in late January.

Credit: Southwest Airlines

Just over one year ago, Southwest Airlines found itself at a critical inflection point. The Dallas-based carrier was facing pressure from rising costs, shifting customer expectations and a vocal activist investor. At an investor day in September 2024, the company unveiled a three-year plan described…

Christine Boynton

Christine Boynton is a Senior Editor covering air transport in the Americas for Aviation Week Network.

Southwest Airlines Embraces Cabin Changes In Ongoing Brand Evolution is available to both Aviation Week & Space Technology and AWIN subscribers.

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